Hudson sister divorced accused killer, records show

AP

In this Oct. 6, 2008 file photo, cast member Jennifer Hudson poses at the premiere of the film "The Secret Life of Bees" at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in Beverly Hills, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, file)

Almost three years after her mother, brother and 7-year-old son were killed, Jennifer Hudson's sister Julia filed for divorce from William Balfour, the man charged in their murders.

In court documents obtained by ABC 7 News, her petition says Balfour is guilty of extreme mental cruelty towards Julia. There is no mention of his alleged crimes.

A judge granted the divorce last December.

Hudson and Balfour eloped on December 30, 2006, shortly after Balfour was released from prison for attempted murder when he was 17. Their marriage came just two months before Hudson's sister Jennifer won an Academy Award in 2007.

While Julia Hudson and William Bafour's relationship was a rocky one, none of that was spelled out in the divorce documents.

In a response to a motion for default filed by Hudson, Balfour wrote a hand written letter from the Cook County Jail. In the letter, he explains why as a detainee of the jail he could not appear in court for divorce proceedings and why his response was late.

Using legal language throughout the letter, Balfour does not object to the divorce. Balfour writes,"I have no legal representation nor assistance on this matter."

The judge allowed Julia Hudson to keep the Englewood home she inherited from her mother, the same house where Darnell Hudson Donerson and Jason Hudson were killed. Hudson also keeps a South Side home that was bought and paid for in full by Jennifer Hudson.

Jennifer and Julia Hudson are on the witness list for Balfour's trial. A jury has been chosen and open statements are scheduled for next Monday. Jennifer Hudson is expected to attend the trial as a spectator as well.

The trial is open to the public. However, because seating is limited, the public will be required to register for a seat in advance through the Cook County Sheriff's Office. Click here for more information